The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has released comprehensive guidelines for the planning and design of High-Speed Access-Controlled National Highways (other than Expressways) on September 24, 2026. These guidelines apply to all upcoming four and six-lane Greenfield and Brownfield high-speed access-controlled National Highways and aim to ensure better design, improved safety, environmental sustainability, and future traffic readiness.
The guidelines emphasize data-driven planning requiring comprehensive traffic assessment that must account for existing traffic, diverted traffic, and expected growth in freight movement linked to economic and commercial activities. Toll data and other reliable sources must be used to improve the accuracy of traffic estimates.
Technology integration is a core component, with mandates for using Automated and Intelligent Machine-aided Construction (AI-MC) technology for embankment and pavement construction in accordance with Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) guidelines. The guidelines also require provisions for implementing Multi Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling systems on these corridors.
Environmental sustainability measures are integrated from the planning stage, requiring landscaping and plantation at suitable locations such as loop areas, below flyovers, and medians, considering local climate and topography. Drip irrigation systems must be provided on medians for efficient water use and easier maintenance.
Comprehensive drainage planning forms an integral part of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) process, requiring identification of rainwater disposal points and arrangements for managing water from highways and surrounding areas. Water harvesting structures must be provided in loop areas and other suitable locations, particularly where no natural outlet exists. Special arrangements are mandated to manage water around underpasses, flyovers, depressed medians, and other structures to prevent waterlogging and infrastructure damage.
These guidelines are designed to contribute significantly toward developing safer, more sustainable, and future-ready high-speed National Highway corridors across India.